Thinks of Manchester, stays in Madrid

The Portuguese spent six years at Old Trafford but wants to stay in the
Spanish capital to win trophies, despite Rio Ferdinand's efforts to
persuade him to re-join the Red DevilsCristiano Ronaldo says he
considered returning to Manchester United after Rio Ferdinand tried to
lure him back to Old Trafford during the summer.

Ferdinand had
already revealed that he was constantly on the phone to the Portuguese
about moving back to Old Trafford before he penned a new contract at the
Santiago Bernabeu.

Ronaldo ended Lionel Messi’s four-year
domination of the Ballon d'Or on Monday and confirmed afterwards that he
had given serious thought to the prospect of re-joining the Red Devils
after discussions with Ferdinand.

"I did think about United," he
told reporters. "They are still in my heart. It’s a club where I played
for six years and I love that club. I have a lot of friends there and I
wish them the best.

"It was true that Rio spoke to me a lot. Rio
is a great friend of mine, we played many years together at Manchester
United and we were neighbours when I was there in Manchester. He’s a
fantastic guy and tried to change my mind."

Ronaldo first won the
Ballon d'Or while at United in 2008 after he helped the Red Devils win
the Champions League, and is now focusing on leading Madrid and Portugal
to further glory.

"I'm going to try to do my best to win trophies with Madrid and my country," he continued.

"This
season is a challenge for me. Last year was amazing. It was very
intense. I scored so many goals, 69 for Real Madrid and helped my
national team to go through to the World Cup.

"This gives me motivation to work more and be better for the future. It means a lot to me that I won it after Eusebio’s passing.

"I
dedicate this award to him and to my team-mates. It is for Eusebio, my
team-mates, all those people who like me. It was a special night and of
course Eusebio passed away but he was watching from the skies to see
this great moment for a Portuguese player."